Liberia’s Lottery Authority Under Scrutiny Amid Financial Irregularities and Casino Licensing Concerns
With only weeks remaining in his term, the Director General of Liberia’s National Lottery Authority (NLA), Reginald K. Nagbe, faces serious allegations that have raised red flags within the institution and across the country’s gambling sector.
Allegations of Asset Mismanagement and Unaccounted Funds
Internal sources at the NLA claim that vehicles under the Authority’s control have gone missing, with no clear explanation offered to staff who requested access to them. Concerns over financial transparency have also intensified following claims that agency accounts are being depleted on a weekly basis.
Employees and stakeholders within the regulated gambling industry are reportedly calling for safeguards to be introduced immediately to prevent further damage as Nagbe’s term nears its end. His current mandate is expected to conclude before August 2025.
An internal source, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged:
“Huge cash is being allegedly taken from some of the accounts. But you know this man has about a month or less to be here. So, you should know what I am talking about.”
Controversial Casino Licensing Raises Further Questions
The concerns surrounding financial irregularities come as past reports resurface about a contentious casino licensing decision under Nagbe’s leadership. Just days before the inauguration of President Joseph N. Boakai in January 2024, Platinum Entertainment Incorporated reportedly submitted a letter of intent to obtain a casino license from the NLA.
Although the company cited its operational experience, official business filings show that Platinum Entertainment did not legally exist in Liberia until January 18, 2024 — a week after the letter of intent was submitted. Reports allege that the licensing process moved forward despite this discrepancy, raising questions about regulatory oversight and potential procedural violations.
The NLA, established by legislative act in 2015, is tasked with regulating all games of chance in Liberia. Its mandate includes generating revenue for government programs and supporting social initiatives, particularly in education for persons with disabilities. Recent developments have prompted concerns about whether the Authority is currently fulfilling that mission.
Compliance Pressures Amid Broader Oversight Push
The Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) of Liberia has reportedly been monitoring the NLA more closely in recent months. In an effort to strengthen enforcement of Liberia’s anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) frameworks, the FIA initiated coordination efforts with the NLA in 2023. These efforts aimed to promote internal compliance and improve transparency, ahead of planned inspections of reporting entities across the gambling and financial sectors.
In light of the new allegations, those measures may prove increasingly important. According to local media reports, previous attempts to contact Mr. Nagbe for clarification were unsuccessful, with his phone reportedly switched off and messages left unanswered.
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